Nana Ohene Ntow, previously the General Secretary of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and now a prominent member of the Movement for Change led by Alan Kyerematen, has voiced strong objections to the downgrading of July 1st from a statutory holiday to a commemorative occasion.
On July 1, 1960, Ghana attained Republic status, prompting the declaration of the day as a statutory holiday in its honor.
However, during the tenure of President Nana Addo, this status was revised, with August 4th designated as the new statutory holiday to celebrate Ghana’s founders.
In an interview, Nana Ohene Ntow argued passionately that July 1st holds profound historical significance for Ghana and should not be relegated to a mere commemorative observance. He expressed concern that the day has diminished in importance since its reclassification.
Advocating for its restoration as a statutory holiday, Nana Ohene Ntow emphasized the need for national unity and identity, asserting, “We must prioritize our Ghanaian identity over partisan interests. Governments must refrain from altering crucial milestones in our history. There’s a growing sentiment that attempts to revise these dates provoke political discord.”
He stressed the importance of a concerted effort to honor the day, warning that without genuine commitment, discussions alone would not foster a truly nationalistic spirit among Ghanaians.
